CARLSBAD >> The Cavern City Tennis Tournament features a diverse player pool.

The 34th annual tournament, which started Friday at Lake Carlsbad Tennis Complex, has 68 players ages 12-79 coming in from all across the country – from Carlsbad, Albuquerque, El Paso and Midland, Texas to Tucson, Ariz., Dallas, Honolulu and Tampa, Fl.

"It's in pretty high regard throughout the state. There's a lot of good players here. If you win this tournament, you're a very good player," said Josh Miller, a 2014 Carlsbad High graduate. "It's always good to have diversity. Everyone plays differently, and that's what helps you work on your game."

Entering his sophomore year at University of New Mexico, the former Cavemen tennis player said he must stay in shape somehow because he's not playing any sports for the Lobos.

"Otherwise, I'll get fat," Miller said. "Tennis is a great sport to have fun and stay in shape."

There are six age group brackets. Miller's one of the Men's singles players for those ages 12-34. Carlsbad senior Daniel Miller, Josh's brother, took part in the tournament, too. Twelve-year-old Andrew Miller, Josh's youngest brother, also played in the tournament.

"It just means we have really good standard of tennis in Carlsbad," Josh Miller said.

The tournament also features brackets for those in their 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s trying to stay fit.

While some participated in the three-day event just to stay active this summer, others seize the chance to train for something bigger.

Thirty-four year-old Michael-Ray Pallares of Tampa, Fl. is the top-ranked player in the Men's 12-34 singles bracket, but he said he's using this weekend to train for three professional tournaments in Europe after recently picking up sponsorships.

"It's almost a 32-draw for the singles [here], so I know I can get four or five matches in. That's very important to get a lot of match play," Pallares said. "That helps me stay sharp, for sure."

Pallares said he will play in Dublin, Ireland, Belgium and Turkey starting July 20.

"This tournament offers prize money, so that always brings a draw of good-level players. The competition's very high. Players come from all over. This is kind of like a preparatory tournament," Pallares said. "In the past, I've played pro on a pro circuit, but it takes a lot of money to travel 30-plus weeks a year. So, I've kind of had to do different things. I've coached as well."

It's his third straight year playing in the Cavern City tournament, and he's striving for his second title in three years.

"The tournament's really well-run. The hospitality's amazing, and I try to include it in my calendar of events every year," Pallares said.

There are 29 men's singles players at this year's tournament. Tournament director Charlie Jurva said there are no registered women's singles and doubles players, but seven women registered for mixed doubles.

The tournament will resume at 8 a.m. Saturday and at 8 a.m. Sunday.

Current-Argus Sports Editor Matt Hollinshead may be reached at 575-628-5518.